Electric Dreams
Self-described “laid-back dudes,” up-and-coming Beat Per Machine composed of Owen Formento on vocals, Mark Angelo Burce Manago on percussion, Marion Claudio on synths and Layne Harrison on lead guitar bravely uses advanced technology to create music both stellar and evolving.
“In our digital age now, it’s easy to make music because of technology. Beat Per Machine’s music is a combination… basic and machine collaboration,” frontman Owen shared. “I first thought that the name of the group was Better than Machine. But it seems better to be the album title. All of our songs have different beats and we use a lot of machines and gadgets, hence it became Beat Per Machine.”
MNL Online News caught up with the band to talk about their EP, “Isang Umaga,” artistic references, empowerment, the state of music today, and of course, their electric dreams.
Looking back on your career, are there two or three individuals who have impacted your life? Why?
OWEN: Church, where I grew up and who taught me to write songs and learned music. My mom and family, who encourage and motivate me to sing, and my sons, my only fire and inspirations to write more songs and life experiences.
MARION: During the course of my career I would have to say Owen became an impact because of his determination as a musician. He influenced me to try new things as a musician. Mark and Layne also made an impact in my career because performing live is still a new thing for me.
MARK: My family and siblings, friends and business partners, and my teammates.
LAYNE: My bandmates, because we are BPM.
Tell us your artistic references.
OWEN: I have a lot. Robert Smith, Scott Hensen, Tycho – Scott, Lou Rhodes Nicolas Jaar, and Chris Martin. Locally, Clem Castro and Rico Blanco.
MARION: I listen to a lot of music. I listen to all genres, as long as the music and meaning is good. I get some of my references from throwback artists and music
MARK: Fiction Stories, Arts, Science, Ancient Meditation and Modern Technology.
LAYNE: Tame Impala, Daniel Johns, 80s bands.
What’s the story behind your name? Was it hard to come up with a name that you could all agree on?
MARION: BPM is actually a term used in measuring beats per minute, which is common in mixing and producing music. Instead of Beat per Minute, Owen came up with the concept of Beat Per Machine. Machine refers to the equipment and gadgets we use.
MARK: It’s a great name for us. It describes each of us differently at instruments, but we are creating and producing music as a team. Different image of people, but same heartbeats together.
Can you recall the moment when you all thought you could be in a band together… that this could actually work?
OWEN: I remembered that we were in the studio for a rehearsal for our friend’s benefit show in Quezon City and this is the day before we played as a complete band. Even though we live in different places, I was in Quezon City, Mark and Marion from Antipolo and Layne from Sta.Rosa Laguna. We were very satisfied with the jamming because all the elements and sounds we played were all quality and complete.
MARK: When we trust and understand each other all the time.
Beat Per Machine’s music is a combination of basic and machine collaboration. We know we can bring some uniqueness in the music world”
Describe each other in a few words.
OWEN: Mark is aggressive and group engager. Marion is soft and unique, while Layne is serious but funny.
MARION: Owen is a hardworking, determined person and kind-hearted. He is open to anything and is easy to talk to. You can have a conversation with him about anything. Mark is like the outgoing funny guy. He is also always doing something new or when it comes to music he likes to learn and master. Layne is like the laid-back chill guy you can have a few beers with and jam with. He also has a funny side when performing live. [Smiles.]
MARK: Owen is Red Ranger, Layne is Popeye, Marion is James Harden and I’m Killua. [Laughs.]
LAYNE: Owen – leader, Mark – PR man, Marion – the weird guy. [Smiles.]
Is there anyone you heard (or watched) that made you think or say, “I wanna do that (or be like him) when I grow up.”
OWEN: I aspire what Robert Smith and Chris Martin have done and contributed in the music industry.
MARION: DJ Qbert. He’s a Filipino-American DJ whose won many DJ battles, including the Run DMC DJ battles. I was fascinated by his scratching techniques.
MARK: Nikola Tesla.
LAYNE: Yes, I want to be like Keannu Reeves dude.
Your EP has just been released. How has the response been so far? Any favorite song(s)?
OWEN: From our friends, artists, listeners:
“Beat Per Machine bravely does electronica.” ~Yugel Losorata, Manila Standard
“There’s more than meets the eye in BPM’s music. More than the literal machines with Owen and the gang craft their music, there’s that collective soul that peeks out. Sound and combinations of sounds are only music when they talk to you. And BPM’s does. At least, it does to me. On Differing levels, too, regardless of how engaged I am at the moment.” ~Lester Lupisan of Mr. Dirty
“A wonderful take on the Electronic. New Wave and Ambient genre. This album illustrates that OPM is a progression, and BPM are the ones willing to take the progressive act of mixing the old classic to new ones. My favorite would be ‘Isang Umaga’, as it give hope, and good vibrations to one’s ear.” ~Pat Andaya, Manager of Turbo Goth
“Great arrangement, Pink Floyd touch.” ~Greg Lozano, Manager of Band of Brothers
“Unique take on Filipino Electronica,” Paul Pajo – Jumpstart, SonicLogo.TV, #OPMLives
Some of them said: “Your music is for the intelligent people.” “Male version of UDD.” “Sounds like Rico Blanco”.
MARION: Many good responses so far. My favorite songs are “Recovery” and “Isang Umaga”.
MARK: All of the tracks are my favorites. Each song has a different chapter.
LAYNE: “Isang Umaga” is selling like hot pancakes
The state of music today has evolved and seems to be bringing back some of the retro style of music in a different form”
Tell us about your single – the story behind it, inspiration, songwriting process and video concept.
OWEN: The last song in the album (EP) entitled “Better than Machine”. A perfect one for a closing that springs an array of upbeat rhythm with perfect drum arrangements mixed with the signature vocals and style. “Isang Umaga” makes one look forward, following the beat and will make you nod your head.
MARION: It’s a song about what one morning can bring. It’s a song of both positive vibes and dramatic and emotional. Owen was the mastermind to the song.
MARK: The music video has a content of inspirational, empowerment, landscapes family and love.
Other than your music, what’s one song that you all love right now?
OWEN: Our versions of “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears and “Sweet Dreams” by Marilyn Manson originally by Eurythmics.
MARION: “Isang Umaga,” of course.
What makes an ideal band?
OWEN: I admire bands like U2, Tears for Fears and Parokya ni Edgar, still doing music with passion & love.
MARION: An ideal band for me is a group musicians working together and have that same chemistry and when it comes to performing live everything is all in place. [Smiles.]
MARK: I don’t know. Like Marvel “Avengers”, DC Justice League or being like Einstein? [Laughs.]
LAYNE: Tight and good-looking. Hehe.
What do you hope people take away from your music and from your shows and performances?
OWEN: Major human senses, sight, hear, and feels. Its Triple E – Electric Dreams with Electrifying Experience.
MARION: Their hearts and feelings. That they become influenced and can relate and become satisfied with our performances and just feel the music.
MARK: Just have some fun, enjoy and relax – its just music. [Smiles.]
LAYNE: Electronic experience.
If you were to look back 5 years ago, you probably couldn’t have predicted the level of success you’re having today – but can you recall your journey and give us your predictions for Beat Per Machine, the state of music today, and the music industry as a whole?
OWEN: I think, before the digitalization of the music industry, musicians and recording artists had a path to fame, a useful music career and success (signed by a major record label). To ensure record labels are still in the industry, they can no longer act as chiefs for their time. Digital technology is a big contribution and made possible to record musicians without the financial support of a label. Additionally, the emerged of digital technology allows for a cheaper studio time where musicians can make recordings, and the whole process is shortened for a week or even days.
MARION: I remember when we were just in the studio jamming and listening to Owen’s lyrics. The sound was already good and I predict that Beat Per Machine can bring some uniqueness in the music world. The state of music today has evolved and seems to be bringing back some of the retro style of music in a different form. I predict the industry will become more important for artists and musicians as a whole.
OWEN: Music release becomes free from a chain from record labels. While vinyl has seen a remarkable revival lately, new bands and recording artists have the right choice to release their music without themselves talking about manufacturing or distributing physical ones copy to everyone. Digital platforms, such as Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, YouTube etc, allow musicians to access a receptive audience of potential fans without getting the heavy cost of manufacturing and sharing or distribution.”
This maybe difficult to answer or not, where do you think you are happiest – on stage performing in the studio recording, or elsewhere?
OWEN: Live performance, playing our single and crowd getting wild and crying while singing “Isang Umaga”.
MARION: In the studio recording or when I am home making tracks. Until I now I have stage fright and get nervous
MARK: When the sound plays in my head even if where I am at I’m very happy.
LAYNE: Bedroom, listening to music
Play live and then after you play live, play live again. That’s what artists are supposed to do”
What have you learned about yourself and your band lately? Has it been a discovery or a rediscovery process at all?
OWEN: Patience is (still) a virtue. [Smiles.]
MARION: That I can be a part of a band and make a contribution. I learned to appreciate music more, that our band is always determined and passionate about music. It’s more like a rediscovery for me. [Smiles.]
MARK: We are all the same page of what we are imagining.
Let’s face it, we are living in a crazy and at times, challenging and difficult world right now – how do you think being with BFM gives you the most joy in life today?
OWEN: Music is my life, Life is my music. [Smiles.]
MARION: BPM is like elements mixed into one. Being with BPM makes me forget about problems and just feeling that positive and unique vibe. [Smiles.]
MARK: Life may seem difficult. However, if we really want to live, don’t take life too seriously. I just love music.
LAYNE: We have work, personal lives and all that. BPM is an outlet for the alter ego.
What else do you have planned for the rest of 2018?
OWEN: We have plenty of plans ahead of this year, besides the gigs, we have good cooking and it is warm yet so you have to wait. We have started filming our very first single “Isang Umaga”. [Smiles.]
MARION: Well we are planning on a music video and some gigs, including the music video launch and maybe some new tracks.
MARK: More success.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
OWEN: “Remember (to) play live and then after you play live, play live again. That’s what artists are supposed to do.” [Smiles.]
MARION: I would like to thank BPM and all other bands that have influenced me in becoming a musician.
MARK: Thanks to all BPM supporters and of course to my family and friends.
LAYNE: Peace and love! [Smiles.]
